Yes, it is used. It has some paint stains on it too.
I actually got a reply from the seller. Really fast reply with pictures and all.
To answer one of my questions, the tabs are not velvet as they first appeared. They are of the normal cotton or wool fabric.
The triangles have "legs", no screw discs.
It appears that the collar tabs were added after the paint job. But it could mean nothing.
Can't tell if the insignia is very used, or made up for reanacting...there are a lot of so called experts" who would tell you real or not, 100% (to them!), but I'd like to have it in hand...if the bid price is low (and I liked EM uniforms), I'd take a stab at it. DougD
Thanks for the help!
I didn't bid on it in the end. I guess it did go for a good price though, 300 $. But I have not seen many for sale so perhaps not. Too much for me to risk anyway. :)